For the Record - Southern Virginia

The City of Danville has received national attention for its work in launching a public “open access” fiber- optic broadband network, nDanville. Organizers of the 2012 Broadband Communities Summit, held in Dallas, held up Danville as a case study in how a small city can use telecommunications to help recruit and expand businesses.
(Danville Register & Bee)

The Danville Regional Foundation gave $428,000 to the Get Fit Dan River Region project for raising nutrition awareness and fitness in the area. Get Fit works with families to provide cooking experience and nutrition education and to increase physical activity to combat the high rate of obesity in the Dan River region. (Danville Register & Bee)

Drake Extrusion, a British manufacturer of polypropylene fiber for the auto, home and carpet markets, invested $3 million to expand its product line and will create 25 jobs at its Henry County production facility. It is the company’s third expansion in 18 months. (Martinsville Bulletin)

The Harvest Foundation provided $250,000 as the final piece of financing needed for an $800,000 marina project at Philpott Lake. The other funds came from Henry County and the Martinsville Henry County Economic Development Authority. Pending approval from the Army Corps of Engineers, work on the 40-slip facility and neighboring campground could begin in early 2013. (Martinsville Bulletin)

Hybrid Vehicles of Danville Inc. will open a manufacturing facility and headquarters in Danville that are expected to employ at least 150 people in three years. The company will produce hybrid vehicle solutions for large buses and armored vehicles for defense and security applications. (News release)

Jarrett Welding and Machine Inc., a Danville-based provider of wrought ironwork and computer-controlled machining, received almost $19,000 from the city’s enterprise zone job creation grant program. Jarrett has increased its staffing from eight to 19 employees. The grant funds will help buy new equipment and provide for upgrades. (Danville Register & Bee)

New College Institute proposed building a three-story academic facility in downtown Martinsville, which would be used for classes, as well as a location for community activities. The project is contingent on raising the necessary $10 million to $15 million, and getting the city to agree to donate the land.
(Martinsville Bulletin)

Stanley Furniture Co. Inc. announced plans to move its headquarters to High Point, N.C. The decision was made as part of an effort to increase efficiency in its operations. The High Point location offers a year-round showroom for buyers and designers, and the company is eligible for incentives from North Carolina. Thirteen employees will be transferred to the new headquarters. Assembly, finishing and warehousing operations will remain in Stanleytown and Martinsville. (Media General News Service)

Virginia Candle Co. of Lynchburg will move its distribution and warehousing operations to the former location of eToys in the Pittsylvania County community of Blairs. The move will consolidate three of the company’s operations and provide for the manufacture of packaging in Blairs. Fifty jobs will be created, and employment could reach 150 during Christmas season. (Danville Register & Bee)